Mechanical Properties of Porcine Muscle in Compression and Tension with Microstructural Analysis

Williams, L. N., & Pietsch, R. (2012). Mechanical Properties of Porcine Muscle in Compression and Tension with Microstructural Analysis. Mississippi State University: MSU Library.

Abstract

A need exists for a more robust method of evaluating musculoskeletal injuries resulting from impact conditions, particularly blasts. Computational modeling is a promising method of achieving this goal. The accuracy of a model depends on high quality mechanical properties for each component. This study examined the mechanical properties of porcine muscle along with structure property relationships. Fresh muscle was tested in compression and tension at strain rates of 0.1 s-1, 0.01 s-1, and 0.001 s-1. Viscoelastic properties were observed including strain rate dependency, stress state dependency, anisotropy, relaxation, and hysteresis. Image analysis was conducted in compression on controls, 30% strain, and 50% strain, relating stress-strain data with structural changes. The effect of rigor was also seen in the tensile response of muscle. Thawed tissue was examined to investigate the effects of freezing. It was found that freezing did not significantly change the mechanical properties, but substantial microstructural changes did occur.